When it comes to running shoes, there is more and more talk of innovation, carbon fibre or nylon foils, engineered uppers capable of supporting the foot in search of the best possible fit, and increasingly reduced weights.
But perhaps the most important question is: “what’s underneath?”.
The most significant aspect remains in fact themidsole, with the most modern materials used both to cushion the impact on the ground and to confer elasticity and reactivity during thrust.
Let us therefore shed some light on the various compounds used by the major running companies (in alphabetical order).
BROOKS
The motto ‘ Run Happy‘ of the US brand is indicative of the running pleasure offered through different types of compounds and materials.
Themost important ones are:
– the BioMoGo DNA,afoam mixthat provides dynamic cushioning and adapts to the pace and weight of each runner, ideal for balanced products such as the Revel 5 and Launch 8
– the DNA Loft (and DNA Loft V2) a combination of DNA foam, air and rubber, offering greater softness without compromising responsiveness and durability.E with a lighter weight. We find it, for example, in Ghost 14, Glycerin19 and Cascadia 16.
– the DNA AMP, which offers greater energy return and elasticity thanks to a poly urethane foamembedded in a thermoplastic film. A compound typical of Levitate 5 and Ricochet 3.
– the DNA FLASH, the lightest and best performing, made with anitrogen infusion (nitroinfusion) in the EVA-basedmidsole. The result is the responsiveness, but also the comfort, of Hyperion Tempo, HyperionElite 2 (with carbon fibre foil) and Catamount.
HOKA
Hoka’smidsole is certainly the most significant and eye-catching aspect of the French/Californian brand.
–Made of a super-light and at the same time super-cushioning EVA foam, it ensures high stability thanks to the Active Foot Frametechnology: the heel and foot are securely wrapped inside themidsole, almost like the seat of a racing car. In addition, rolling is smooth and fast, thanks to the Meta-Rocker geometry, for maximum running efficiency.
– The lightest and fastest models, such as Mach 4, Carbon X 2 and Rocket X (the latter two with carbon fibre plate), but also some fromtrail like the Mafate Speed 3 and theZinal,exploit theProFly technology , which features amidsole divided into two parts. This ensures a cushioned landing and a responsive take-off.
– This is different for the anti-pronation models such as Gaviota and Arahi 5, which use J-Frame technology to provide more support thanks to a denser and stronger compound in the central area, exactly where the foot normally tends to turn inwards.
KARHU
The stability and running ease typical of the Finnish brand are achieved through amidsole AeroFoam,made of lightweight, temperature-resistantfoam, with better cushioning than classic EVA. The most representative models are the Ikoni and the Fusion.
Themidsole based onAeroFoam Nova is featured on the Synchronmodel : more durable and with a greater impact-absorbing capacity than the classic AeroFoam.
LA SPORTIVA
The case of La Sportiva is different, where themidsole changes according to the various models, but basically remains always EVA-based.A typical feature of the Italian brand is thehighstabilityof the footbed, even at the expense of the soft feel ofmost of the models (apart from Karacal and Jackal), and the high grip on all types of terrain.
SAUCONY
The revolution that led to the use of the PWRRUNmidsole atSaucony was determinating to achieve significant improvements in comfort and performance.
– Specifically , the PWRRUN midsoles are characterised by an update of the classic EVA foam, with greater energy return and durability.
Among the most representative models are undoubtedly the Ride 14 and the Guide 14.
– Slightly different is the case with PWRRUN+, a lower density compound capable of enhancing the soft feel without compromising the weight of the shoe. Durability is also excellent. This is the case with the more comfortable models, such as Triumph 19 and Hurricane 23.
– As for the faster and more reactive models, such as Endorphin Speed 2 (with nylon blade) andEndorphin Pro 2 (with carbon blade), the compound used is PWRRUN PB, Saucony ‘s most advanced cushioning material . Composed of a foam made from a blend of polymers from PeBa®, it weighs the same as EVA, but has a higherenergy returna to promote better performance. Itis important to point outare that the latter is a compound suitable almost exclusively for higher running intensities and with less ground contact time: we therefore avoid using these models for our lenses, the stability (and durability) of the shoe would suffer.
IN CONCLUSION
It is difficult to say which of these materials is the best. Surely we can become more attached to those that give us the most pleasant sensations and the greatest return on energy. But, as is often the case, it is impossible to make an objective classification, not least because of the constant innovation that all the above-mentioned companies are bringing to the world of running.
For sure, though, at MioMioRun we can help you find the best compound for your everyday training and for the most important races!
Happy racing to all!
